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Il-76 plane shot down in Sudan. What does Kyrgyzstan have to do with it?

An Il-76 cargo plane was shot down in North Darfur province, where fighting continues between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It is assumed that there could have been Russian citizens on board.

The Russian Embassy in Sudan confirmed that it is checking information about the possible presence of Russians on board the downed plane. It is cooperating with the Sudanese authorities and clarifying the circumstances of the incident, the statement notes. The investigation is complicated by military action in the crash area.

According to the Aviation Safety Network service, the downed plane was an Il-76T with registration number EX-76011, owned by New Way Cargo. The plane was flying from Ras Al Khaimah Airport to Amdjarass (Chad), UAE.

According to Sudan War Monitor, the RSF shot down the plane at about 4 a.m., mistaking it for a Sudanese army bomber. The Il-76 was reportedly flying as part of an air bridge organized by the UAE to support RSF logistics.

Among the documents found at the scene was an official ID from Manas International Airport (Bishkek). The airport’s press service explained that the document belonged to Viktor Granov, chief engineer at Airline Transport Incorporation FZC.

Despite having a Manas official ID, he was not an airport employee, but cooperated with it through his company.

A Russian passport, presumably belonging to Anton Selivants, was also found at the crash site. Russian media reported the names of the alleged crew members, but official confirmation of their identities has not yet been received.

The UAE authorities stated that they are exclusively engaged in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Sudan and do not supply military equipment to either side of the conflict. The civil war in Sudan, which began last year, has forced tens of thousands of people to flee to Chad. RSF fighters are accused of ethnically motivated killings. The media also report that Wagner PMC may be supporting RSF, although their withdrawal from the region was announced in the spring of 2023.

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